Kramer, Minnesota Win, 36-6

Tommy Kramer justified Minnesota Coach Jerry Burns’ decision to start him at quarterback Sunday, passing for 209 yards and a touchdown and leading the Vikings to a 36-6 victory over the New England Patriots.

Kramer, a Pro Bowl starter in 1986 who missed much of 1987 with a neck injury, was benched for the first time in the 1980s during last week’s season opener, a 13-10 loss at Buffalo.

But after Wade Wilson and the offense performed poorly against the Bills, Burns turned to Kramer, who, when healthy, was the Vikings’ quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired 10 years ago.

“Tommy Kramer will start again next week,” Burns said afterward.

Kramer completed 12 of 27 passes, including his first 5 of the game. His first two passes, a 24-yarder to Anthony Carter on the opening play and a 38-yarder to Hassan Jones, set up Darrin Nelson’s 8-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 Minnesota lead.

Kramer left with 6 minutes remaining in the third quarter with a leg cramp, meaning he hasn’t played a full game since Dec. 7, 1986--a span of 19 games. Wilson replaced him and played the rest of the way.

“My whole body started to cramp,” Kramer said. “I started OK but had a little trouble early in the third quarter.”

New England (1-1) got a poor performance from its long-time quarterback, Steve Grogan, who was 9 of 26 for 106 yards and 3 interceptions.

The Patriot defense was also shaky. After allowing the New York Jets only 179 yards in 60 plays--a 2.98-yard average--in last week’s 28-3 victory, they surrendered 415 yards in 77 plays to the Vikings, an average of 5.39 yards.

After Teddy Garcia’s 50-yard field goal for New England, the Vikings reeled off 17 points, on Chuck Nelson’s 39-yard field goal, Alfred Anderson’s 5-yard touchdown run and Kramer’s 29-yard scoring pass to Carter.

Garcia’s 23-yard field goal made it 24-6 at halftime.

Minnesota did the only second-half scoring, getting a safety, Chuck Nelson’s 24-yard field goal and rookie Darryl Harris’ 2-yard touchdown run.

The safety came midway through the third quarter when Patriots punter Jeff Feagles got crossed up on Danny Villa’s seemingly catchable snap and was tackled in the end zone by Ike Holt.

New England was hurt by several mistakes, including the safety and five turnovers.

“The Minnesota defense beat our offense,” Patriots Coach Ray Berry said. “They got excellent pressure on Steve Grogan on two critical plays and both resulted in interceptions. We didn’t put the ball into the end zone early when we had the chance.”

Joey Browner, David Howard, Jesse Solomon and Darrell Fullington had interceptions for the Vikings. Solomon also recovered Reggie Dupard’s fumble, which was caused by Scott Studwell’s tackle, setting up Anderson’s touchdown.